[What is intensive care medicine? Multidisciplinary intensive care units]

Abstract

Intensive care medicine is described from a multidisciplinary point of view. The term "multidisciplinary" is used, although "multispeciality" may be more appropriate. Intensive care medicine is defined as an observational, diagnostical and therapeutical approach to the critically-ill patient, requiring specialized medical and nursing skills that cannot be met in a general ward. Critical illness is considered as overt or threatening, potentially reversible severe organ dysfunction. Intensive care medicine is conducted in the high-technology environment of intensive care units. These are further classified according to their own competency base as well as the level of the hospital in which they are situated.